Croatia to You: Travel and Tourism here means the Mystery
of Natural Beauty and History
The world so very large, yet opportunities to
enjoy many places on Earth can be scarce. For travelers, tourists,
business and commerce, or naturalists and students of history, the
Southern European region known as Croatia, is a diverse wonderland of
plains, lakes and rolling hills, densely wooded mountains, and rocky
coastlines. More than this, the region has many national parks, numerous
medieval castles, historic cities and sites, a wealth of resorts and
up-scale activities such as yachting and fishing, and all modern
conveniences. From Croatia to you, here is a travel destination that is
truly broadening and refreshing for every member of the family.
Saron Lease, owner of the Internet’s premiere website for travel
resources and connections in Croatia (‘Croatia Gems’ at
www.croatiagems.co.uk) says that
the nation of Yugoslavia was once a hugely popular tourist destination
for the British public and also the rest of Europe. With militarism in
the region now 15 years in the past, and Yugoslavia re-invented as
non-communist Croatia, the doors are open for a new wave of enthusiasm
for travel to this destination. Only two hours from the UK, the area is
un-spoiled, with pristine beaches and coastline, quality accommodations,
a wide variety of things to do and see, and low-cost enjoyment of
fabulous organic local foods, Lease says.
“I really love it,” Lease commented. “It’s different in Croatia to other
countries. Croatia has an identity that is unique in Europe. The people
I have met love where they live, and really make the most of it. It’s
got a really Mediterranean outlook, where work isn’t everything, and
quality-of-life is important.”
The experienced traveler will find Croatia well-developed and
attractive, with a vast coastline and wonderful historic towns. 10
million people toured Croatia in 2005, and they indeed may have enjoyed
this place as ‘the Mediterranean as it once was’ (the current motto for
the hospitality industry here).
There are nine tourist regions, including: 1) Istria, with ancient Roman towns, and large hotels, as well
as resorts, campsites and sports facilities;
2) Kvarner, with scenic gulf views, tall mountains-by-the-sea,
and a dozen large islands (also animal species such as bears, and two
national parks);
3) Dalmatia-Zadar, with yachting, the uninhabited islands of the
Kornati National Park, Roman towns and their architectural wonders, and
more;
4) Dalmatia-Sibenik, with more islands, yachting, famous
cathedrals, a medieval fortress in the city of Knin, and waterfalls and
religious monasteries in the national parks;
5) Dalmatia-Split, with resort towns and large islands,
cathedrals, palaces, fortresses, and abundant vineyards and wine;
6) Dalmatia-Dubrovnik, featuring the fortified city, numerous
islands and untouched forests;
7) Central Croatia, with old cities, castles and spas, the Marian
Shrine of Marija Bistrica, nature parks, forests and wilderness,
cultural architecture, and Baroque churches;
8) Slavonia has national parks, a wide variety of birds and
fauna, and wines and cuisine;
9) Zagreb, which has a Central European feel, as the Croatian
capital and largest cultural center, with many museums and galleries.
“Croatia is a really safe place,” said Lease. “Crime is minimal. I
always feel safe. You can drink the water and swim anywhere on the
coast, it’s so clean and the whole coastline is open to the public. The
food is delicious---lots of fresh seafood and organic meat and
vegetables. Lots of pasta and delicious thin-crust pizzas, all really
cheap, too. Every restaurant has its own wine and their own olive grove,
so there is a plentiful supply of olive oil. Local fishermen supply
fresh fish.”
In 2006, National Geographic Adventure Magazine named Croatia as
‘Destination of the Year’, and UNESCO (the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization) includes several Croatian sites on
its World Heritage list, including the historical complex of Split with
the Palace of Diocletian, the old city of Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes
National Park, the Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik, and others.
Almost 90-percent of the population are called Croats, with 20 other
minorities. The common language is Croatian, but many people speak
English, French or German, and other languages. International airports
can be found in five major cities, with a total of 68 airports
throughout the region. There are also several major railways, and some
of the most modern and safe highways in Europe (many of these are
toll-roads). Bus traffic is very common and widely-used---you can arrive
almost anywhere in Croatia in comfort and style using the pleasant,
modern bus system. Croatia also has several large seaports, and river
transportation along the Danube or Sava waterways, is well-developed.
Mobile and land-line telephone service reaches at least 6 million
Croatian customers, with 1.5 million Internet users, and regular radio
and television service as well.
“One of the reasons we set up the company (‘Croatia Gems’) was that we
foresaw a big demand for quality accommodations in Croatia, but Croatia
itself didn’t market the area well, and didn’t know what modern visitors
wanted,” Lease added. “Croatia is a really interesting place to
visit---the history, environment, etc. It is stunningly beautiful, cheap
when you get there, and just very uncomplicated. It’s an amazing place
for a holiday.”
by Julian Philips
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